Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Rocket Therapy on August 27, 2012, 07:49:06 PM
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Looking at new Connies wondering how they handle two up, me 5'9" 160 lbs, girlfriend is 5' 100 lbs, planning a ride to Niagera Falls next year and hopefully on a new Connie. Any input would be appreciated
thanks
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They are great for 2up, one of the main reasons I bought it. :thumbs:
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Looking at new Connies wondering how they handle two up, me 5'9" 160 lbs, girlfriend is 5' 100 lbs, planning a ride to Niagera Falls next year and hopefully on a new Connie. Any input would be appreciated
thanks
Umm..... That's really just one of us old connie guys ;D
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two up is great, lots of room for both riders. Only problem we had was packing for two on a two night primitive camping trip. Got a bit tight on space there.
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Teressa and I do 10 hours days 2 up, Western NC to Southwest FL
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You'll have plenty of room and capacity for the weight of gear too. My wife and I are bigger than you and still fit ok, although we are pushing the weight limit (stated in the manual) without extra gear.
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You'll have plenty of room and capacity for the weight of gear too. My wife and I are bigger than you and still fit ok, although we are pushing the weight limit (stated in the manual) without extra gear.
Yeah teressa and I are fairly skinny but i need room for more steppin' out clothes. Son of pappy is working on a trailer hitch =)
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They are great for 2up, one of the main reasons I bought it. :thumbs:
You won't even know she's on board...unless she decides to give you a.. Reach-Around
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You won't even know she's on board...unless she decides to give you a.. Reach-Around
Let's hope that she waits for the traffic to clear a bit first.
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keep looking in the mirrors you will forget that she with you
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My wife won't even get on any of my bikes except the touring bike. Spoiled? You bet. But she doesn't complain about my bike addiction as long as I pay some attention to her as well as my asian mistresses. ;)
Rocketman, the power of the Connie is way overkill so you won't even notice the extra 100 lbs. You might want to get a trunk or backrest for your passenger's comfort though.
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I felt like the stock seat left a little to be desired for the rider, but the passenger section is great. I've actually rode on mine as a passenger, but used a full face helmet so no one would recognize me.
As far as handling with my wife on board, the bike is great. Handling is still good enough to be a lot of fun. Even with a top box full of her gear. I think a taller passenger might appreciate lower footpegs, and a backrest is always nice.
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My wife won't even get on any of my bikes except the touring bike. Spoiled? You bet. But she doesn't complain about my bike addiction as long as I pay some attention to her as well as my asian mistresses. ;)
Rocketman, the power of the Connie is way overkill so you won't even notice the extra 100 lbs. You might want to get a trunk or backrest for your passenger's comfort though.
Thats unfortunate. But its safer for her, I wouldn't complain.
My gal Teressa even threw on a race suit that was 4X too big and did the track at warp speed with me!
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/R1%20stuff/roadatlantameandteressa1.jpg)
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We're both taller and heavier than you and find the bike very comfortable, especially on cool days. On hot days...well its just hot.
I have a 55ltr Givi and we can do a 2-4 day weekend with all the trimmings of clothes for the beach, the bar, the club etc. Beyond that I guess we'd just have to wash a load.
2-way coms help a lot, I doubt my wife would enjoy it as much without the tunes or talking, I have a starcom1 digital but there are plenty of choices.
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We're both taller and heavier than you and find the bike very comfortable, especially on cool days. On hot days...well its just hot.
I have a 55ltr Givi and we can do a 2-4 day weekend with all the trimmings of clothes for the beach, the bar, the club etc. Beyond that I guess we'd just have to wash a load.
2-way coms help a lot, I doubt my wife would enjoy it as much without the tunes or talking, I have a starcom1 digital but there are plenty of choices.
I have enjoyed my 55 litre too. And its enough room for her she doesn't complain but I need a trailer for the stepping out attire =)
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The only problem I encountered was the stock seat lets my wife slide into me when on the brakes. I now have the Corbin and I forget she is back there except when she won't stop talking through the intercom. I turn the volume down and tell her it must have a short :D
But back to your question, short of a Goldwing the C-14 is the next best thing for two-up.
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I felt like the stock seat left a little to be desired for the rider, but the passenger section is great. I've actually rode on mine as a passenger, but used a full face helmet so no one would recognize me.
As far as handling with my wife on board, the bike is great. Handling is still good enough to be a lot of fun. Even with a top box full of her gear. I think a taller passenger might appreciate lower footpegs, and a backrest is always nice.
+1 on the lower passenger foot pegs and the backrest. Shorter passengers appreciate these too. My wife hated the seat till I got lower foot pegs for her. Now she doesn't complain about the seat, just my speed. :o
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I had a C10 for 4 years and the wife never got on. Wife finally (after 5 months) got on my C14 for the first time and enjoyed the ride. Her only complaint (get this) was the Russell Day Long! She said the seat "pushed up" in the groin area. I "think" because she does not have a back rest, she was sitting too forward and holding on to me.
I agrre with all, I need to get a back rest and a Scala 4 to keep her occupied.
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I have enjoyed my 55 litre too. And its enough room for her she doesn't complain but I need a trailer for the stepping out attire =)
Stepping out attire should be relatively lightweight (ie: skimpy...). The big problem is the Shoes and having multiple choices for attire on the night for each night
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Stepping out attire should be relatively lightweight (ie: skimpy...). The big problem is the Shoes and having multiple choices for attire on the night for each night
I don't know about you but I'd rather not see Steve in something skimpy. :o
My wife needs a trailer just for her shoes.
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Umm..... That's really just one of us old connie guys ;D
+1
I was thinking the same thing. I weigh more then the both of them! So I guess your two up will work fine.
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Thanks for all the replies Right now I'm on a Triumph Rocket 3 with lots of horsepower and torque And I don't even know she's on the back Unless I look for her
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We did an 1135 mile round trip to Indy for the MotoGP and she said she was comfortable even at speeds above 80. I have the lowered footpegs and a Corbin seat (with some simple mods). Had some TB(tired butt) but nothing severe. We have done 12 hour days on my C10, just haven't had that opportunity yet with the C14.
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My wife says this is the most uncomfortable bike she has ever rode passenger on. I believe the stock seat pushes her forward and the position of the rear footpegs are so high she has no leverge with her legs.
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My wife says this is the most uncomfortable bike she has ever rode passenger on. I believe the stock seat pushes her forward and the position of the rear footpegs are so high she has no leverge with her legs.
She must not have ridden race tracks on a sportbike. Take her for a few laps, she'll love the speed so much she'll forget about comfort.
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I don't think that the bike is a good 2 up touring bike. Look where the passenger foot pegs are, knees are up to high, seat is not really good even for one up, no less 2.
Good Luck,
Fred
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You won't even know she's on board...
Well, I do notice her on the bike because the front wheel spends less time on the ground when accelerating out or curves.
Other than that, just a bit of smart(er) packing and some last minute "do you really need 6 pairs of shoes this weekend?" ??? and you're set...
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I don't think that the bike is a good 2 up touring bike. Look where the passenger foot pegs are, knees are up to high, seat is not really good even for one up, no less 2.
Good Luck,
Fred
Fred, do you actually own a C14? ???
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like some others said, i got lowered foot pegs, baldwin seat, V46 Givi top case and back rest and we re good to go. And i also dont even notice she s there until she slap the back of my helmet when going over 80 MPH.
Were playing with the weight limit when going on long trip. We did a 15 days trip last year and another 8 days this year and over all we had 80Lbs of bagage and 360 Lbs for me and wife with gears on.
The only complain she have is all the yoga things she has to do to get on the bike. Getting off is easy since last year when she suffered a shoulder injury and to ease things, i got off the bike, and while just pulling a little bit on the handle to make sure the bike sits on the stand, she slides off the seat and to the ground.
Since then, thats the way for her to get off.
It a great bike for 2 up trip
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It's good to hear all the positive things about to C 14 with 2 up. I know riding 2 up is not for everybody. The backrest or trunk is definitely a must Most likely the trunk
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I don't know about the 10+ bikes, but for mine I replaced the seat. Lowered and moved forward the rear passenger pegs. Added a topcase with back rest. Replaced the stock seat with a Russell and the stock screen with a CB Euro. That about did it. Two up was then sustainable for long distances.
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+1. I did the same and haven't looked back.
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girlfriend is 5' 100 lbs
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/cdsioduyf8we.gif)
;D
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If I could only get pic to load
what's the secret?
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Maybe this will work from phone
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If I could only get pic to load
what's the secret?
Host your pictures on PhotoBucket and then paste the [IMG] code into these windows.
I just did 3200 miles with wife on the back. These bikes rock, especially with highway pegs 8)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=10210.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=10210.0)
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, Yeah I followed that thread and the pictures Awesome ride and awesome pictures. I was impressed with some of the higher mileage days you were doing. The highway pegs will be a must have Along with some other things
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:: Thread jack :: :offtopic:
That Rocket III is a beast! It's got a civic engine on it! LOL! But still isn't that bike a competent tourer?
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The Rockets a good tourer but I think to C 14 is going to be better. Better fuel mileage for 1 I get about 38 on the rock if I stay out of it. Hard to do sometimes and the C 14 has more technology in it. Time to upgrade. I'll have to get used to a different RPM range
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The Rockets a good tourer but I think to C 14 is going to be better. Better fuel mileage for 1 I get about 38 on the rock if I stay out of it. Hard to do sometimes and the C 14 has more technology in it. Time to upgrade. I'll have to get used to a different RPM range
Point taken. I guess that 2.3L engine is a fuel hog, and the Connie's power band is addictive. it'll take some getting used to to get the revs above 6K RPM. You'll be short shifting a lot at first.
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That will definitely take some getting use to . All the torque the rocket has I actually pulled out in fourth gear before but I use to take my sons 636 out every once in a while and give it a blast. I'll probably catch on pretty quick. I'm really looking forward to some time in the saddle, I'm ready for some. Rockets across America use to meet in Maggie Valley and ride on the dragon and Blue Ridge Parkway. I actually like to take a trip out west and see some more of the country
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Host your pictures on PhotoBucket and then paste the [IMG] code into these windows.
There is nothing wrong with the way he did it- upload to the forum. Besides, that is much preferable because it will never be lost and have a dead link. And it doesn't require also surrendering your photos to another third party service.
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That will definitely take some getting use to . All the torque the rocket has I actually pulled out in fourth gear before but I use to take my sons 636 out every once in a while and give it a blast. I'll probably catch on pretty quick.
The C14 actually has MORE horsepower than the Rocket :) But since the torque is so much lower, you are going to have to rev the Concours to get enjoyment. Don't worry, you will, indeed, catch on quickly. And it takes very little time to get up in them high RPM's! The handling of the C14 will squash the Rocket immediately, plus it is likely much smoother and quieter, and certainly a lot more aerodynamic (and as you mentioned, fuel efficient).
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Needless to say I'm very excited about getting the C 14. almost like the first day deer season in West Virginia if anybody knows what I mean and I'm from West Virginia. I was just in the garage with my girlfriend looking at the rocket. I'm gonna miss that fat bottom girl " the rocket that is" but it's time for something different
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IMHO it is not an "ideal" 2 up bike, but yes it gets the job done.
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What is an ideal to up bike????
I haven't found 1 yet
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I guess it's just a personal preference. hey if I can't make it work I'll put something else in the stable
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She must not have ridden race tracks on a sportbike. Take her for a few laps, she'll love the speed so much she'll forget about comfort.
:-\ :o ;)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/backweight.jpg)
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Hey it's the rocket that's got a fat bottom not the girlfriend anyway I'm buying her a pistol next week and it's getting close to that time of month so if I show her this picture that might just encourage her to take a cross country trip with me huh LMHO
Thanks man!
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What is an ideal to up bike????
I haven't found 1 yet
Let's see, an ideal two up bike is a bike your lady is willing to ride on. For every lady that is a different bike. I had a Voyager XII. Sporty touring bike with enough comfort for my wife, but still limber enough to run the dragon. Thought maybe a Goldwing would replace it since I wasn't sure about moving to the V-twin Voyager. Went and rode the Goldwing and then stopped by the Kawi dealer right afterwards and rode the Voyager. Wife liked the Voyager better so in the garage it went.
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Needless to say I'm very excited about getting the C 14. almost like the first day deer season in West Virginia if anybody knows what I mean and I'm from West Virginia.
Sorry I am from and in Virginia. Only thing I know about deer is that they scare the crap out of me when I am riding and should be avoided at all costs. I have had some pretty close encounters, unfortunately.
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What is an ideal to up bike? ???
I haven't found 1 yet
It is commonly called a Goldwing, or you can also look at a new BMW GT1600. And no neither is an old man's bike, they are incredible in the right hands.
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It is commonly called a Goldwing, or you can also look at a new BMW GT1600. And no neither is an old man's bike, they are incredible in the right hands.
+1
I haven't tried a GW, but my girl is very happy coming with me on the C14, as long as it doesn't involve more than 400 miles/day. When I get a K1600GT/L, she can ride all day.
But I HATE that bike when I drive alone. Too much mass, too much $$$ and not enough leaning angle, plus the steering must talk chinese or something because I have no clue what's going on there.
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It is commonly called a Goldwing, or you can also look at a new BMW GT1600. And no neither is an old man's bike, they are incredible in the right hands.
Obviously I cannot support the German machine as my signature clearly states ;D but I'd add the HD Ultra: the passenger box is very confortable!
Regarding the C14, my wife feels great in long trips.
Only complaint by her is about the wind when going faster than 70 mph, even with the windshield all the way up!
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Hey it's the rocket that's got a fat bottom not the girlfriend anyway I'm buying her a pistol next week and it's getting close to that time of month so if I show her this picture that might just encourage her to take a cross country trip with me huh LMHO
Thanks man!
PMS and a pistol? I don't think I'd be showing her that picture. You might not be around to take that cross country trip.
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:-\ :o ;)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/backweight.jpg)
That's more like 3 up isn't it J?
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Sorry I am from and live in Virginia. Only thing I know about deer is that they scare the crap out of me when I am riding and should be avoided at all costs. I have had some pretty close encounters, unfortunately.
Fixed that for you... No sorry about it. It's a wonderful state to live in. Coast lines, bay, great in between, and rolling mountains. What's not to like?
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Fixed that for you... No sorry about it. It's a wonderful state to live in. Coast lines, bay, great in between, and rolling mountains. What's not to like?
Crushing poverty, destroyed mountaintops, hillbillies, etc... OOPs that's WEST Virginia. Sorry
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Crushing poverty, destroyed mountaintops, hillbillies, etc... OOPs that's WEST Virginia. Sorry
Who you calling a hillbilly?
(http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTn5JfvO7hrAPOfbOJml7eQ7iQzXbMKE9WHlW1qAljNS6oqHz6VcA&t=1)
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Who you calling a hillbilly?
(http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTn5JfvO7hrAPOfbOJml7eQ7iQzXbMKE9WHlW1qAljNS6oqHz6VcA&t=1)
Definitely not the guy with the sword.
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Crushing poverty, destroyed mountaintops, hillbillies, etc... OOPs that's WEST Virginia. Sorry
And the country boy can survive. !
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Let's see, an ideal two up bike is a bike your lady is willing to ride on. For every lady that is a different bike. I had a Voyager XII. Sporty touring bike with enough comfort for my wife, but still limber enough to run the dragon. Thought maybe a Goldwing would replace it since I wasn't sure about moving to the V-twin Voyager. Went and rode the Goldwing and then stopped by the Kawi dealer right afterwards and rode the Voyager. Wife liked the Voyager better so in the garage it went.
I looked at those last fall, glad your wife likes your voyager
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Obviously I cannot support the German machine as my signature clearly states ;D but I'd add the HD Ultra: the passenger box is very confortable!
Regarding the C14, my wife feels great in long trips.
Only complaint by her is about the wind when going faster than 70 mph, even with the windshield all the way up!
Tried the HD ultra this spring, a lot of friends ride the ultra, the rest of my family ride HD, anyway, her and I both were ready to get off after about 15 mins. into the ride. I know to get use to a bike you have to put some time on it, but 15 mins my butt was NUMB. And not enough powaa
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Obviously I cannot support the German machine as my signature clearly states ;D but I'd add the HD Ultra: the passenger box is very comfortable!
Don't you mean the "passenger suite?"
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Fixed that for you... No sorry about it. It's a wonderful state to live in. Coast lines, bay, great in between, and rolling mountains. What's not to like?
They knew what I meant!!
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Tried the HD ultra this spring, a lot of friends ride the ultra, the rest of my family ride HD, anyway, her and I both were ready to get off after about 15 mins. into the ride. I know to get use to a bike you have to put some time on it, but 15 mins my butt was NUMB. And not enough powaa
A loud, slow, heavy, chrome butt vibrator?
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They knew what I meant!!
I wanted to make sure they did... ;)
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A loud, slow, heavy, chrome butt vibrator?
You got that right In more than 1 way
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I've been riding my 09 c14 two-up for the past two days, and I think it performed as well as 1-up.The extra weight is almost not there. I redlined at 1st, 2nd gears for the first time. Also, on the first day, the front wheel lifted up a little bit - I could tell it from the handlebars becoming light and wiggly.
the hardest part for now is getting on/off the bike. I have to pay attention to top being very top heavy as my passenger stands up getting off. still manageable though.
I have no regrets on choosing this bike. hope to use it for many miles and years.
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I want you to think about some of the problems your passenger might encounter, wind is the first, my wife had problems with the wind buffeting around too much, second was a comfortable sitting position, she might need a back rest of some sort if you are planning on laying down the miles, my two cents,, oooops don't forget rain gear lol
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V Stream windshield, modified/lowered custom passenger pegs, Laam Custom seat, Givi E55 (moved back 2" with Phils rails) and added a Custom World backrest for lumbar support.
I was at the BMW dealer today and the GTL looked no better than my setup for two up. If I wanted something catered to two up from the factory it would either be a Goldwing or a Victory Cross Country Tour.
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My daughter has not been able to master a technique for mounting comfortably, but once on she likes the riding position. She is getting on the driver's seat and sliding back onto the passenger seat. Then I kick through and get on. At least I do not kick the bags when I get on this way.
Both of us were spoiled by the C10's softer padding. I am not comfortable with the stiffer padding and will be getting it replaced as soon as I can. I hate the glossy case covers over the Krauser style bags on the C10. If you kicked them there was no damage, but you look at the C14 bags, they scratch. Good looking, but not practical.
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My daughter has not been able to master a technique for mounting comfortably, but once on she likes the riding position. She is getting on the driver's seat and sliding back onto the passenger seat. Then I kick through and get on. At least I do not kick the bags when I get on this way.
Both of us were spoiled by the C10's softer padding. I am not comfortable with the stiffer padding and will be getting it replaced as soon as I can. I hate the glossy case covers over the Krauser style bags on the C10. If you kicked them there was no damage, but you look at the C14 bags, they scratch. Good looking, but not practical.
Wait a few miles. The stock connie seat padding is way too soft for long distance riding IMO. Great for around town though.
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one of the problems you might encounter is that she will get beat up by the wind, wife and i tried a different windshield but she still gets a lot of buffer
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What year bike do you have and which windshield did you try?
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Everyone seems to be worried about the bike's attributes (model/type/mods on the bike). Let me explain something, as long as she's skinny it don't matter. I took this gal on a 65 MPH Vespa ride before our photo shoot ......... point being even 2-up on a Vespa works if she's in shape.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/LR%20800/SWP_0069.jpg)
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one of the problems you might encounter is that she will get beat up by the wind, wife and i tried a different windshield but she still gets a lot of buffer
GF wouldn't let me go faster than 75 with the stock ('08) shield. I got a Givi and up to 110 she's happy. Hope that helps.
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GF wouldn't let me go faster than 75 with the stock ('08) shield. I got a Givi and up to 110 she's happy. Hope that helps.
+1 with the Cee Baily ultra tour domed too. The ladies have zero wind complaints.
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My Gf smacks me everytime I ride with the CB Ultra DOWN. She loves the back of the Connie but would not ride 2 up without the backrest. She is not too enamoured of leaning back against the case on the back of the 1100RT fearing that it is not as sturdy during acceleration and at speed and is in danger of breaking off.
She has ridden 2 up on several bikes preferring to drive rather than ride but out of all of them she prefers the Connie for smoothness, comfort and room (even with my fat arse taking up most of the available room and then some)
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My Gf smacks me everytime I ride with the CB Ultra DOWN. She loves the back of the Connie but would not ride 2 up without the backrest. She is not too enamoured of leaning back against the case on the back of the 1100RT fearing that it is not as sturdy during acceleration and at speed and is in danger of breaking off.
She has ridden 2 up on several bikes preferring to drive rather than ride but out of all of them she prefers the Connie for smoothness, comfort and room (even with my fat arse taking up most of the available room and then some)
Did you have it just bolted back therew on the plate, or did you have the optional sturdy GIVI bracket going to the subframe of the bike?
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I had the stock Kawi tall shield and it was too much buffeting for her. Even for me sometimes. I added the laminar lip and everything smoothed out for both of us. I also have the Spencer seat mod on both sections, which she likes better than the stock padding. Finally, like someone else said, I let her get on first and scoot back, then I slide on and nestle in. Getting off is the reverse, with me sliding out and then steadying the bike, on the side stand, while she dismounts. Tried it with me getting on first and she wasn't at all comfortable doing that.
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Finally, like someone else said, I let her get on first and scoot back, then I slide on and nestle in. Getting off is the reverse, with me sliding out and then steadying the bike, on the side stand, while she dismounts. Tried it with me getting on first and she wasn't at all comfortable doing that.
+1
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I'm 6'0 270 lbs (all muscle, of course). Wifey is 5'9" and about 140. Corbin Seat. Ultra dome. Givi 55 with Phill's rack pushed back 1.5". No problems with room, weight, or anything. This was Cherohala skyway.
(http://photos.schulzfamily.org/Motorcycles/Dragon/i-Q2LvGMr/0/M/227686-M.jpg)
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I'm 6'0 270 lbs (all muscle, of course). Wifey is 5'9" and about 140. Corbin Seat. Ultra dome. Givi 55 with Phill's rack pushed back 1.5". No problems with room, weight, or anything. This was Cherohala skyway.
(http://photos.schulzfamily.org/Motorcycles/Dragon/i-Q2LvGMr/0/M/227686-M.jpg)
Shift Silhouette Women's motorcycle jeans come in long lengths in case you are looking for some longer jeans for your woman. My wife is also 5'9" and wears size 3/4 34" length jeans.
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(http://photos.schulzfamily.org/Motorcycles/Dragon/i-Q2LvGMr/0/M/227686-M.jpg)
No gloves? :o ??? :(
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ZG, you beat me to it. Where are the gloves?
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Did you have it just bolted back therew on the plate, or did you have the optional sturdy GIVI bracket going to the subframe of the bike?
Bone stock as it comes. THe top case just locks on tothe plate and the latches engage. Did not know there was a GIVI fix. Thankfully we do not have to go 2 up on that too often. I think I will just leave it so we do not have to get her too comfy and I can still rely on her to say "Let's use the Connie" ....but thanks for the info I will look for a link. FOr now it does not seem to flex when she is riding it solo with the Kitchen sink packed in the top case ( I know I know ...I keep telling her ....heavy stuff goes low)
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Bone stock as it comes. THe top case just locks on tothe plate and the latches engage. Did not know there was a GIVI fix. Thankfully we do not have to go 2 up on that too often. I think I will just leave it so we do not have to get her too comfy and I can still rely on her to say "Let's use the Connie" ....but thanks for the info I will look for a link. FOr now it does not seem to flex when she is riding it solo with the Kitchen sink packed in the top case ( I know I know ...I keep telling her ....heavy stuff goes low)
understood :D